The Witch's Heart

by Genevieve Gornichec

Hardcover, 368 pages

English language

Published Sept. 6, 2021 by Penguin Publishing Group.

ISBN:: 978-0-593-09994-0
Goodreads:: 53438195

When a banished witch falls in love with the legendary trickster Loki, she risks the wrath of the gods in this moving, subversive debut novel that reimagines Norse mythology.

Angrboda’s story begins where most witches’ tales end: with a burning. A punishment from Odin for refusing to provide him with knowledge of the future, the fire leaves Angrboda injured and powerless, and she flees into the farthest reaches of a remote forest. There she is found by a man who reveals himself to be Loki, and her initial distrust of him transforms into a deep and abiding love.

Their union produces three unusual children, each with a secret destiny, who Angrboda is keen to raise at the edge of the world, safely hidden from Odin’s all-seeing eye. But as Angrboda slowly recovers her prophetic powers, she learns that her blissful life—and possibly all of existence—is in danger.

…

When a banished witch falls in love with the legendary trickster Loki, she risks the wrath of the gods in this moving, subversive debut novel that reimagines Norse mythology.

With help from the fierce huntress Skadi, with whom she shares a growing bond, Angrboda must choose whether she’ll accept the fate that she’s foreseen for her beloved family…or rise to remake their future. From the most ancient of tales this novel forges a story of love, loss, and hope for the modern age.

2 editions

Jennifer reviewed The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec

Complex story about characters in Norse mythology

4 stars

I'd never heard of the witch Angrboda in Norse mythology, but had heard of Odin, Loki, and Ragnarok (I'll admit my knowledge of these things is in large part because of Marvel movies). This book is a wonderful exploration of mythological characters in that world, and it's one of the books I enjoyed the most in 2022. The author creates a lived in world with complicated and flawed characters, while still following stories in real mythology (I only know that because I looked up the actual myths after I finished the book). This is an enjoyable book for anyone interested in myths and ancient stories, and you don't need to know anything about the characters or stories to enjoy it.

bibliophilicwitch reviewed The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec

None

4 stars

Unsurprisingly I was thoroughly drawn into this story and I absolutely cried at a few key points. I loved the perspective of the gods we receive from Angrboða and Skaði. I appreciated how the Æsir were presented since I agree with the jötunn view of the Æsir. I loved the complexity of Boða's relationship with Loki because while it was ultimately toxic you could sympathize with Loki's motives. I also deeply appreciate how Ragnorok was handled.

Eli reviewed The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec

None

3 stars

I somehow could not get that much into the story. I enjoyed the setting with norse mythology, and the relationships between the supernatural beings. Strong female character that others tried to suppress and they needed her abilities of foretelling the future. How trying to avoid a prophecy coming true is the one true way of making it come true. It is an interesting innovative book and highly liked such a protagonist, but it just didn't float my boat that much.